Cronulla Sharks, performance, finals, Tyran Wishart, Dragons, Bulldogs, Broncos, Latrell Mitchell, weekend scoops The Mole exclusive

Could we see Cronulla emulating Souths' feat last year of leading the competition after 12 rounds and then missing the finals?

The Rabbitohs' fall from grace was one of the most dramatic in the game's long history - but may be matched by the out-of-sorts Sharks.

The Sharks were awful in Coffs Harbour on Friday night, falling to a classic Des Hasler ambush as they went down to the Titans 20-16.

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The final score flattered the Sharks, who were down 12-0 early and 20-4 with 15 minutes to go before jagging a couple of late tries.

Members of the Cronulla Sharks react during their round 18 match against the Gold Coast Titans. Albert Perez via Getty Images

Craig Fitzgibbon's men have now lost three games in a row and five of their last six.

They look flat and in desperate need of a shake-up.

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Marquee man Nicho Hynes has been quiet in recent weeks and the Sharks missed 40 tackles to a Titans side without attacking 'guns' Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson.

The Sharks need to do plenty of soul-searching this week, with their place in the finals, let alone dreams of another premiership, slowly slipping away.

Melbourne unearth another diamond

When the Storm lost Cam Munster to a long-term groin injury last month, some fans feared the worst.

But Craig Bellamy has a well-tried and tested 'next man up' culture at Melbourne - and it has paid dividends again in youngster Tyran Wishart.

The son of former Illawarra favourite Rod, Wishart has been great for the club in Munster's absence.

Against the Tigers on Saturday night, he made two line breaks, scored a try, ran for over 120 metres and scored 16 points.

His combination with the NRL's form player, Jahrome Hughes, has kept the points kicking along and he will be a handy back-up with his utility value once Munster returns.

Tyran Wishart of the Melbourne Storm. Scott Gardiner via Getty Images

Dragons bring up unwanted Moore Park century

We've heard of the expression field of dreams … but the Dragons have invented a new saying - field of horrors!

In two games against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium this year, the Dragons have conceded over 100 points.

In what must be a first since 1908, the Roosters ran in 102 points on the same patch of grass against the one team.

They smashed the Dragons 60-18 in the Anzac Day massacre and then followed that up with a 42-12 thrashing on Sunday.

Pumped up to salute record-breaking prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the Roosters put the Dragons to the sword in emphatic style.

The worry for the Dragons now is that if they make the finals and take on the Roosters, it will be almost certainly at the same venue - and the nightmare is likely to continue.

Bulldogs transforming Accor into 'fortress'

When Cameron Ciraldo set out his team objectives for 2024 over the off-season, high on his list was to make Accor Stadium a fortress.

After winning just three games in the entirety of last year on their home track, Ciraldo knew things had to change in a hurry.

Fast forward to midway through 2024, the Doggies have won seven from seven at home and the ground is becoming a place rival teams are fearing.

Admittedly, they did it by the skin of their teeth on Saturday afternoon against the Warriors - a Matt Burton field goal in golden point off the upright - but the mindset and determination at home proved the difference.

The Dogs' win puts them in a great position to play finals footy in September - something few pundits predicted back in March.

Matt Burton of the Bulldogs celebrates with team mates after kicking the match winning field goal. Getty

Latrell's back on top

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell's career hit rock bottom when he was suspended earlier this season.

The Rabbitohs lost their way in the finals race, coach Jason Demetriou was sacked and Latrell copped plenty from the critics.

But the suspension, time away from the game and some soul-searching appears to have brought out the best in the enigmatic fullback.

Since his return, Latrell has scored six tries for Souths and won a recall to State of Origin football, scoring a try in the Blues' big win in Melbourne.

Souths are on a five-game winning streak, playing very much like a finals team, and Latrell has 12 try assists in his last six games along with his own tryscoring feats.

The brilliant fullback was at his devastating best in the gritty win over the Eels on Thursday night, destroying the Parra defence and proving the difference.

His time away from the game gave him time to reset and the Bunnies, but that revival has all come to a screeching halt after picking up a foot injury.

Just when the Blues and Bunnies needed him most.

Latrell Mitchell after game two of the men's State of Origin series between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 26, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Getty

Panthers living 'in the heads' of battling Broncos

Watching Friday night's grand final replay, there's no doubt that the Panthers are still in the heads of the Broncos.

Throughout the 80 minutes, it was anyone's game - but in the big moments, the Panthers just had the edge.

Psychologically, the Broncos are clearly still in damage control after losing the unlosable grand final last October.

The Panthers have now won eight of their past nine games against the Broncos.

Superstar Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has played Penrith seven times - and is yet to taste a win.

The Broncos are in a slump and lacking direction without their injured general Adam Reynolds.

They need to turn things around - and quickly - before their top four hopes slip away.

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